What does Revelation 3:11 mean?

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Revelation 3:11

Explanation

Revelation 3:11 is part of a message to the church in Philadelphia, delivered by Jesus Christ through the Apostle John. The phrase “Behold, I come quickly” is an urgent reminder of Christ’s promise of his imminent return. It’s a call to be vigilant and prepared for his second coming. The instruction “hold that fast which thou hast” exhorts believers to firmly grasp and protect their faith and the truth they have received, to persevere in their Christian walk, and to continue living in a way that honors God.

“That no man take thy crown” indicates that there is a reward, often interpreted as eternal life or the fullness of the blessings of God’s Kingdom, awaiting believers who remain faithful. The “crown” can symbolize victory, authority, or reward. The verse conveys a warning not to let anyone or anything lead them astray, potentially causing them to lose their reward.

Historical Context

Revelation was written at a time when Christians were experiencing persecution under Roman rule. The early church faced pressures both from external persecution and internal false teachings. The Book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature, rich with symbolic imagery and written to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith despite adversity. It was a message for the seven churches of Asia Minor, which included the church in Philadelphia, to comfort and challenge them.

Theological Insights

From a pre-millennialist perspective, this verse is seen as a direct prophecy about the second coming of Christ which will take place before the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. The amillennialist view interprets this return symbolically, with Christ’s “quick” coming representing God’s intervention in human affairs and his ongoing spiritual reign. Post-millennialists could see this as an encouragement for the church to influence society positively, as they believe Christ’s return will follow a Christianized world.

Practical Applications

“Behold, I come quickly” is a statement that encourages believers to live with a sense of expectancy and readiness for Christ’s return. Followers of Christ are therefore encouraged to live righteous lives, to stay firm in their commitments to God, and to not be swayed by false doctrines or worldly distractions that could compromise their spiritual integrity or witness.

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 4:8: “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
• James 1:12: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-25: “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”

Language Study

The term “quickly” translates from the Greek word “ταχύ” (tachu), which conveys swiftness or without delay. “Hold fast” comes from “κράτει” (kratei), meaning to seize or grasp with strength. The Greek word for “crown” is “στέφανος” (stephanos), which refers often to a victor’s wreath, a symbol of triumph in athletic games or other significant achievements.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In Roman culture, a “crown” (laurel wreath) was a symbol of victory and honor, awarded to conquerors and champions. The concept of a reward for moral virtue can also be found in other religious systems, such as the concept of karma in Hinduism or the crowns bestowed in the afterlife in Egyptian mythology. In these cultures, how one lives in the present can have a significant impact on their fate after death.

Scientific Perspectives

The language of immediacy in “I come quickly” can interact interestingly with modern understandings of time and the universe. From a cosmological perspective, “quickly” is relative, as the universe operates on a scale of billions of years. However, from a psychological or experiential point of view, the perception of time can indeed feel swift, underscoring the verse’s call to urgency from an individual’s lifespan perspective.

Commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations. Some view this as an eschatological promise with an emphasis on the unpredictability and swiftness of Christ’s return, prompting ethical readiness and spiritual watchfulness among believers. Others focus more on the metaphorical or symbolic meaning, suggesting that the “coming” of Christ can represent divine intervention or judgment at any time.